There’s nothing quite like stepping into your kitchen or bathroom only to be hit with a nasty sewer-like odor – one that’s coming from your drains. Oddly enough, many homeowners notice this problem more often when summer rolls around. What’s behind that icky plumbing smell in the summer — and how can you keep your plumbing (and your home) fresh and odor-free? Let’s take a closer look.
Summer Heat Makes Things Worse
Hot, humid weather doesn’t just make you feel sticky and uncomfortable outdoors — it also creates the perfect breeding ground inside your pipes. Warm temperatures speed up the growth of bacteria and mold in your plumbing system. Even small clogs or thin layers of gunk inside pipes can start to smell worse as bacteria multiply and produce foul-smelling gases that drift back up into your sinks and showers.
Evaporating Water Traps
Every drain in your home has a P-trap or U-trap — that curved section of pipe under sinks, showers, and floor drains. Its job is to hold a small amount of water to prevent sewer gases from rising into your home. But in hot summer weather, especially if a drain isn’t used often, that water can evaporate surprisingly fast. Without the water barrier, foul smells have a direct path into your living space. This is a common cause of musty or sewer odors coming from guest bathrooms, basement sinks, or utility room drains.
Food Waste and Grease Break Down Faster
Your kitchen can be especially vulnerable in the summer. Warm weather speeds up how quickly leftover food particles, grease, and oils break down inside your drainpipes. Even a thin sticky coating on the inside of pipes can start to release unpleasant odors as bacteria feed on it.
Simple Steps to Stop Summer Drain Odors
Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to keep your drains fresh — and your home free of embarrassing odors.
- Keep Water Traps Filled
Once a week, pour a cup or two of water down any drain you rarely use. This replenishes the water barrier and helps block sewer gases. - Regular Drain Cleaning
Every few weeks, pour about half a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar into the drain. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water. This helps remove light drain build up and freshen drains naturally. - Be Careful What You Rinse Away
Never pour cooking oil, grease, or coffee grounds down the sink. These can stick to pipes and smell worse when temperatures rise. Instead, scrape leftovers into the trash or compost. - Watch for Leaks and Damaged Pipes
Sometimes, odors aren’t coming from the drains themselves, but from sewer gases leaking out of cracked pipes, worn gaskets, or loose connections. If smells linger even after cleaning, it might be time to bring in a pro.
When to Call Norhio Plumbing Company
Bad smells that keep coming back, slow drains, or frequent clogs often signal bigger plumbing problems that need expert attention. That’s where Norhio Plumbing Company comes in. We are your local plumbing and drain cleaning pros that you can contact for preventive maintenance, a repair or clogged drain issue, new system installation, or any plumbing reason at all.
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